Calulator for pre-reqs question???

Hi Ya'll Doing?
Well I'm taking pre-requisite classes next semester for my BSN. I have to take Finite Mathematics (Algebra) and Statistics. .....

Do I need a scientific calculator or a graphting calculator?...
I looked at the prices and I really don't want to spend $100 for a Texas Instruments TI-83, if I can get something that will work for less money.......

I honestly do not know, could you call the college and leave a message for the math professor? By the way what is finate math? I am a dummy but somehow passed algebra with a B, that is the extent of my math ability. I will never forget quadratic equasions to this day.

Dec 11, '02

I didn't need a calculator like that all through my college career, only in high school when I took Physics and Calculus. I took Statistics in college and only needed a dinky regular calculator. I would wait until your first class to hear what the professor has to say before you buy anything.

Dec 11, '02

for finite, we did not need a calculator but could get one if we wanted to.

Dec 11, '02

Probably a simple one will do...but call your Math department and ask them!

Dec 11, '02

We have to have a TI-83 or the TI-83 plus for algebra and problems and stats. The only difference in the 83 and the 83 plus is for example to do fractions on the 83, you have to put them in parenthesis. I paid around 99 for my calculator. Circuit City has them alot of time for around 69. I tried to use a cheap calculator but there was no way. We had to do graphing and this calculator was wonderful for graphing. For Intemediate and advanced algebra, that is all there is...is graphing.
I hope this helps

Dec 11, '02

We had to have a TI=83 for stats... could not have passed without it. Got mine off ebay...

Dec 11, '02

I know that the $100 for the TI-83 seems steep, but I would not scimp on it. I had to get it for stats and college algebra, and I still use it pretty consistantly. One thing that I like versus a regular calculator is that I don't have to keep clearing and starting from scratch. The screen keeps the last few calculations...for me it was a great checking tool. Also, it is so required in my school that if I decided to sell it, I would probably get 75% of it back.

Kris

Dec 11, '02

BadBird,
This is the description of the course:
"Finite Mathematics
This course is intended to give an overview of topics in finite mathematics together with their applications. The course includes logic, sets, counting, permutations, combinations, basic probability, descriptive statistics, matrices, and their applications."

They also said I will need a scientific calculator, that's what I thought that "I" would be if I made it through these courses!...

I'll contact the Math department to see what they require.....

Thanks for all the replys.......

Larry

Last edit by Mr. L on Dec 11, '02

Dec 11, '02

Hi Mr. L,

When I took Algebra I, I had to purchase a graphing calculator. I got a used Texas Instruments from a student who had posted notices around campus that he was selling it.

At the time a new one went for $110.00 and I think I paid him $45 for his.

I would see if you can purchase a used one from a fellow student. It really is a calculator that I only ever used for that one class. It was such a waste to purchase it, but it was the only way we could complete homework and exams.

See if you can get a used one or maybe borrow one from someone else.

It ended up that in other classes where you were allowed to use a calculator (like Chemistry) I was not allowed to use my Texas Instruments because you can program equations into it. Even though our teacher's allowed us to use a calc. they didn't want us cheating by programming the equations or notes into our graphing calculators.

Dec 11, '02

For any Alegebra class offered at my CC, we need to have a graphing calculator. I have a TI-83 Plus.